Overview & Reviews

Since its launch in the mid-1990s, the Avalon has been Toyota's main full-size sedan. It has always been a solid performer, with standard V6 power, lots of interior space and a reputation for reliability.

Early Avalons were often criticized for their humdrum style, especially the first-generation model. But the more recent Avalons, thanks to their more upscale design, have consistently been among the best choices available for a large sedan. Overall, a new or used Avalon is certainly worth considering.

Current Toyota Avalon
Four trims comprise the Avalon lineup: XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited. For each, you'll find a smooth 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Together, they provide strong performance along with impressive fuel economy.

Standard feature highlights of the XLE include leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. The XLE Premium adds a sunroof and a few other minor perks, while the Touring gains 18-inch wheels (versus 17s), a navigation system and a smartphone app integration system. The Limited's features include xenon headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Avalon's upscale cabin quality, roomy seating and large trunk. There's plenty of power on tap and the precise steering has a firm, responsive feel to it. Whether threading its way through a tight mountain pass or cruising serenely on the open freeway, this accommodating full-size sedan provides a very appealing blend of comfort and useful performance. The only possible downside is that the car's ride quality isn't quite as plush as before, which could alienate previous Avalon buyers. But overall, this Avalon's superior road manners will likely appeal to the vast majority of large sedan shoppers.

Used Toyota Avalon Models
Redesigned for 2013, the latest generation of the Toyota Avalon has a more premium look and feel than the previous one. Under the sleek new skin is a stiffer structure that improves both ride and handling qualities. Since its debut, this version has seen only a minor shuffling of standard and optional features.

Developed and built with American roads in mind, the previous, third-generation Toyota Avalon ran from 2005-'12. Initially, four trims were offered: XL, Touring, XLS and Limited. The Touring was unique in that it was a sporty Avalon, with 17-inch wheels, a more firmly tuned suspension, an all-black interior and aluminum trim. "Sporty" is a relative term, though, since even this Avalon was tuned more for comfort than zipping through corners. All Avalons had a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and it drove the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike earlier-generation Avalons, this one couldn't be had with a front bench seat. But there was ample room in the front and plenty of legroom to stretch out in back, where a nearly flat floor allowed three adults to sit comfortably. The materials were mostly first-rate and build quality was excellent overall.

Changes throughout this generation were minimal. The 3.5-liter V6 was initially rated for 280 hp, but revised SAE rating procedures dropped that to 268 hp, starting with the 2006 model year. Avalons from 2005-'07 had a five-speed automatic instead of the later six-speed, so expect slightly less performance and fuel economy from these earlier models. For 2009, stability control became standard across the board and the Touring trim was dropped. For 2011, Toyota updated the Avalon's exterior styling and dashboard design. The XLS trim level was also dropped, leaving the base Avalon and the Limited.

In road tests and reviews, we found the third-gen Avalon to be an excellent large sedan. Highway driving in particular is luxurious, making long road trips a pleasure. The V6 engine pulls smoothly and powerfully, while posting impressive fuel economy numbers. This Avalon handles adequately, but mainly this is a full-size car tuned for comfort rather than athleticism. Downsides are few – the rear seat doesn't fold down to expand luggage capacity and the driving demeanor is isolated and hence somewhat dull

With the second-generation Avalon, sold from 2000-'04, Toyota made a number of improvements over the first version. Available in XL and XLS trims, the second-gen Avalon was roomier and more technologically advanced. Optional stability control and brake assist features were added to improve safety. The 3.0-liter V6 was equipped with variable valve timing, providing a modest power increase over the previous generation with a peak of 210 hp. In road tests, we commented that the second-gen Avalon wasn't a particularly interesting car to drive, but it countered with plenty of dependability, comfort and smoothness. A curvaceous dashboard design further distinguished this model from its relatively staid competitors.

The original Toyota Avalon, sold from 1995-'99, came in two trims (XL and XLS) and had a 192-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission. Minor engine revisions for the 1997 model year saw the output of the V6 increase to 200 hp.

For the first two generations, Toyota did not make many significant changes. Therefore, used-Avalon shoppers should focus more on the condition and mileage of the vehicle than a specific year of production.

User Reviews:

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  This car is a sleeper - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By samuel - September 21 - 8:23 pm

  in my 30 yrs of driving, Ive had more than 20 different cars. a 87 lincoln mk7, 93 sc400, 2002 q45, had been my favorites until buying my 05 avalon limited. nearing 2 yrs with 65,000, all done has been installing ipod plug and oil changes. ive taking 2 yrs of auto courses, so i know about problems with autos. my 05 avalon is a true sleeper. every time i get into it, Im amazed at how it seems to want to be noticed.besides 23 city and 30 plus hwy, it never breaks down. though, like a number of others, i had to be reminded how to use the key fob. thing is why hasnt more be told about this car? my 05 limited is nearly the same car as the 2010 limited,so why hasnt the critics mentioned this?

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  Best car Ive ever had!! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By clatterpastor - September 21 - 8:14 am

  I bought my Avalon with 92k miles on it. A friend had driven one from his fathers car lot and remarked at what great gas mileage he got on a road trip. I drove it and bought it immediately. The road manners are what you would expect for a luxury sedan of this type; not sporty but "safe" feeling. I have driven it on 16-18 hour trips for years and was always comfortable (511" 180). Mileage had always been 28-29 hwy. and 20-22 city. We now have 236K on the car and have only done brakes once, timing belt, water pump and seals twice, replaced the sub-woofer and thats all! It has been the most reliable car I have owned and that includes Mercedes, Hondas, Lincoln and Ford. I plan to buy another!

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  Dealership problems w/ Northridge Toyota - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Todd Trebah - September 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving 3 Mercedes models, I stumbled across the 03 Toyota Avalon-- was very much surprised on the quality, comfort & performance of the car. However, this dealership left much to be desired --- from misrepresenting several items that were supposed to be included in the price to guarantee/warranty specifics.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Satisfied Owner - September 10 - 8:10 pm

  It is hard to identify my favorite feature on this car. Love the smart key/keyless entry/remote start, the heated seats, the spacious back seating that amazes passengers. The in-town gas mileage is a little low (about 18) compared to 30 freeway. Only problem I have had is a strip that comes loose from the roof top on the passenger side of the car when I go through a car wash. The only service work done has been oil changes. The car runs great. My previous car was a much-enjoyed 1999 Dodge Intrepid. In choosing this car, it was a decision between a similar cost/similar featured Mercedes. No regrets on choosing the Avalon over the Mercedes.

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  2014 Avalon Limited - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Bruce Colman - September 8 - 11:46 am

  Bought it new last fall, should have been an amazing product. This winter the battery died, discovered it was a known problem with the Canadian dealer, lots of cars coming in on tow trucks with a battery with a bad cell. GPS system is useless, a five year old $150 Garmin has more features and is easier to use. I actually use a Gamin window mount GPS on road trips. The most discouraging part is the rattles in the roof, dealer has tried to fix them, several times over a year, turns out the problem was common to many Camry/Avalons with a sunroof, the inner support binds with the outer roof at times, poorly engineered. Toyota has a maintenance bulletin, which required stripping the interior to add a kit, took over a year to sort it out. The rain sensing wipers would start normally, it heavy rain of wet sow, go on high and lock on high. Spoke to other owners, same problem, required turning the wipers on and off to reset. My year 2000 BMW 528 never had these problems. Ended up trading the car in, definitely not recommended. Side mirrors do not always return to normal after backing up and going forward.

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  A Great Three Years - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By TOM - September 7 - 10:30 pm

  Three years and 42,000 trouble free miles after buying our first Avalon, we are Avalon fans. Our XLS was ordered with the "wing" to liven up its bland appearance at least a little bit. We are even starting to think it is a nice looking vehicle! Really! We tried out a 2006 Avalon Limited recently and found the driver visibility of our 2003 to be far better so we are hanging on to our present Avalon. Highway mileage is routinely 30 mpg + and seems to be gradually improving with age.

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  Sun visors - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By john - September 5 - 10:43 am

  I love this car. There are two things I would like changed, mirrors that retract and an extension on the sunvisor to use on the drivers door side. The car runs great, the ride is very comfortable, and the gas mileage is great considering its size and power. The pickup is unbelievable.

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  Touring Delight - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sailor - September 2 - 11:43 pm

  I am very impressed with the MPG on this large car. My first highway trip gave me an MPG of 32. My wife loves and power and roominess. I added chrome wheels to my Black Touring Avalon (the standard Touring wheels would be fine if chrome instead of grey) and get plenty of positive comments. The standard sound system equals the Bose system in my other vehicle.

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  05 Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By swerge - September 2 - 7:43 pm

  The remote start system is poor at best. It will operate locks across a parking lot but you to be close to start the car. The operation of key fob is tricky then engine stops upon entry and needs to be restarted.

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  Excellent car for the price - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Sharad Patel - September 1 - 3:56 am

  I had a Lexus 2005 ES 330 - not happy at all after 25000 miles, traded to 2006 Honda Accord - ok, finally found Avalon XL 2007, very very happy. Drove 1000 miles so far, I will keep this car at least up to 100,000 miles. Excellent car for the price. This car does not have MP3 cd changer or iPod input which is my strong requirement, however got Harman-Kardon gadget installed that plays iPod. I strongly suggest to test drive this car before you spend lots of money some place else. I rate this car almost 9.8, very comfortable and really fun to drive compared to my previous two new cars I bought. I drive ~20000 miles in a year and need comfortable car, this will do the job.